LONGVIEW, Wash. (KATU) — Fatalities have now been confirmed following a “major” chemical implosion at the Nippon facility in Longview, Wash., on Tuesday morning.
First responders were initially called out to the scene at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Facility just before 7:20 am
The Nippon facility is located in the 3400 block of Industrial Way (Highway 432). Residents have been asked to avoid the area.
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A vat of “white liquor” at the facility imploded, according to Longview Fire Officials. Multiple people suffered chemical burns and other injuries in the implosion.
White liquor is a strong alkaline liquid made mostly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. In the Kraft process, it is used to cook wood chips and turn them into pulp for papermaking by dissolving the substances that hold the wood fibers together. It is considered extremely dangerous and is highly corrosive.
The white liquor tank was 60% full at the time of the implosion, fire officials said. The cause has not yet been determined.
In an update just after 11 am, Longview Fire officials confirmed fatalities from this incident.
Officials say 10 people, including one firefighter, were injured and transferred to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. The injuries ranged from critical to minor.
A spokesperson for PeaceHealth later issued a statement, saying it had received nine patients from the incident. Of those patients, PeaceHealth said one died, two were transferred, and six are in fair condition. PeaceHealth said it does not expect any additional patients. The injured firefighter was treated and released.
No IDs will be released until families are notified.
Fire officials confirm that there were still individuals who remain unaccounted for. It is unclear how many.
In a post from Cowlitz County Newsphotos show the aftermath of the implosion at the location.
Officials say there is no threat to the city or the surrounding area. Incident operations remain ongoing and may last through the night and into overnight hours.
Officials said they expect to provide another update at 7 pm
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, a massive fire broke out at the same location. Piles of wood ended up burning for days.
This is a developing story. Check back with KATU for more information.
